Health literacy in New Zealand: A tale of serendipity and indigenous health

Abstract

This chapter discusses the emergence of health literacy, including policy development, in New Zealand (NZ), through the lens of the authors’ involvement in the initial health literacy development projects, and in light of international perspectives. New Zealand has a small population, centralised government and a single Ministry of Health responsible for health outcomes. A lucky series of chance encounters generated interest in the relationship between recently published adult literacy data about New Zealanders, including the indigenous Māori population, and poor health outcomes for Māori. This resulted in the publication of NZ’s first health literacy research report for the adult population (Ministry of Health, 2010), showing the widespread need to address health literacy as a nation. Health literacy in NZ over the past 10 years has been driven by the need to reduce health inequalities and inequities for Māori, NZ’s indigenous population. Starting work in the health literacy field more recently than other nations, NZ has been able to take advantage of research and experiences generated by others who have worked in this area for much longer, in particular, the US. This supported health literacy to be positioned as a system and health equity issue, rather than as a problem of patient-deficit. The Ministry of Health’s He Korowai Oranga – Māori health strategy (Ministry of Health, 2014a) supported a systemic approach to improving health outcomes for Māori, with health literacy identified as a key enabler to improving health outcomes. This Strategy supported the creation of NZ’s A framework for health literacy (Ministry of Health, 2015a), outlining expectations for the health system, health organisations, health professionals and consumers in addressing health literacy.